Job summary
Permanent and Fixed-Term Opportunities Available
We are looking for an enthusiastic Band 6 Paediatric Pre-Operative Assessment Nurse to join our dedicated POAC team at Musgrove Park Hospital.
In this rewarding role, you will autonomously assess children and young people undergoing a wide range of elective surgical procedures requiring general anaesthetic. You will deliver high-quality, evidence based clinical assessments, ensure all required investigations are completed, and work closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe and effective perioperative care.
Paediatric POAC experience is desirable but not essential - we are looking for someone with at least a solid understanding of paediatric surgical pathways and a willingness to develop specialist skills.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated children's nurse who is passionate about delivering outstanding care, developing specialist skills, and contributing to a supportive and forward-thinking paediatric service.
Main duties of the job
- Provide comprehensive nurse led preoperative assessments for paediatric elective surgery patients, both face to face and via telephone.
- Undertake and interpret relevant investigations including ECGs, MRSA swabs, blood tests, baseline observations, height/weight measurements, and glucometer readings.
- Liaise with anaesthetics, surgical teams, children's inpatient areas, day surgery, and outpatients to resolve clinical queries and plan safe care.
- Work independently within scope of practice and escalate concerns appropriately.
- Maintain accurate patient records, clinical documentation, and written reports.
- Deliver excellent communication and support to children, young people, and their families, adapting information to varying levels of understanding.
- Promote public health principles, offering lifestyle guidance when appropriate.
- Participate in clinical governance, audits, quality improvement, and evidence based practice initiatives.
- Support induction of new staff and students; contribute to staff development and team leadership.
- Ensure compliance with Trust policies relating to safeguarding, health and safety, infection control, confidentiality, and equality & diversity.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical & Patient Care Responsibilities
- Deliver autonomous preoperative assessments, identifying potential medical risks and planning appropriate care.
- Request and review investigations, acting on results, and escalating concerns to anaesthetic or surgical teams.
- Ensure all relevant investigations and results are collated prior to admission.
- Provide specialist advice to paediatric clinical areas, supporting safe surgical pathways.
Communication & Relationships
- Build strong professional relationships across the multidisciplinary team.
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with children, families, carers, and colleagues.
- Overcome barriers to understanding and ensure families feel informed and supported.
Planning & Organisation
- Manage and prioritise own workload and support team workflow.
- Attend surgical clinics to complete timely assessments.
- Ensure safe staffing and clinic coverage across a 5day service.
- Contribute to developing and updating preassessment protocols.
Professional & Service Development
- Stay up to date with evidencebased practice and emerging clinical guidance.
- Support clinical audits, research, governance, and service improvements.
- Maintain NMC registration and engage in continual professional development.
Leadership & Supervision
- Assist with induction and training of new staff and students.
- Participate in annual appraisal and support team development.
Administrative & Information Responsibilities
- Use Trust digital systems to record and retrieve clinical information accurately.
- Manage email and telephone enquiries promptly.
- Ensure clinical documentation meets Trust and statutory standards.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Clinical & Patient Care Responsibilities
- Deliver autonomous preoperative assessments, identifying potential medical risks and planning appropriate care.
- Request and review investigations, acting on results, and escalating concerns to anaesthetic or surgical teams.
- Ensure all relevant investigations and results are collated prior to admission.
- Provide specialist advice to paediatric clinical areas, supporting safe surgical pathways.
Communication & Relationships
- Build strong professional relationships across the multidisciplinary team.
- Communicate clearly and compassionately with children, families, carers, and colleagues.
- Overcome barriers to understanding and ensure families feel informed and supported.
Planning & Organisation
- Manage and prioritise own workload and support team workflow.
- Attend surgical clinics to complete timely assessments.
- Ensure safe staffing and clinic coverage across a 5day service.
- Contribute to developing and updating preassessment protocols.
Professional & Service Development
- Stay up to date with evidencebased practice and emerging clinical guidance.
- Support clinical audits, research, governance, and service improvements.
- Maintain NMC registration and engage in continual professional development.
Leadership & Supervision
- Assist with induction and training of new staff and students.
- Participate in annual appraisal and support team development.
Administrative & Information Responsibilities
- Use Trust digital systems to record and retrieve clinical information accurately.
- Manage email and telephone enquiries promptly.
- Ensure clinical documentation meets Trust and statutory standards.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered childrens nurse (RSCN)
- Evidence of recent continued professional development
Desirable
- Working or willing to work towards degree level
- Paediatric preoperative assessment course
Experience
Essential
- At least two years of post-qualification clinical experience including paediatric surgery
- Able to lead and work within a team and autonomously
- Clinical skills relevant to the role such as phlebotomy and ECG
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Up to date knowledge of surgical pathways in paediatrics, including pre-operative assessment pathways
- Willingness to undertake training and develop competencies in the POAC specialist skills
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Registered childrens nurse (RSCN)
- Evidence of recent continued professional development
Desirable
- Working or willing to work towards degree level
- Paediatric preoperative assessment course
Experience
Essential
- At least two years of post-qualification clinical experience including paediatric surgery
- Able to lead and work within a team and autonomously
- Clinical skills relevant to the role such as phlebotomy and ECG
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Up to date knowledge of surgical pathways in paediatrics, including pre-operative assessment pathways
- Willingness to undertake training and develop competencies in the POAC specialist skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
